Compare the 2017.5 Nissan Altima vs Toyota Camry

Serving Hoover, AL, Birmingham, and Vestavia Hills

The 2017 Nissan Altima is ready to challenge all comers. This includes its longtime rival, the 2017 Toyota Camry. If the two go head to head, how do they compare? This review looks at several aspects of each car's personality. Shoppers are invited to make the comparison in person at Benton Nissan.

Price and Specs Comparison

Specs

2017.5 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

2017 Toyota Camry LE

Starting MSRP*

$22,500*

$23,070*

Fuel Economy (City/Hwy)**

27 / 39 mpg

24 / 33 mpg

Standard Engine

2.5-Liter

2.5-Liter

Horsepower

179 horsepower

178 horsepower

Transmission

CVT

6-Speed Automatic

Review Video

Performance

The 2017 Nissan Altima has some definite advantages over the 2017 Toyota Camry when it comes to performance. Altima’s 179-horsepower engine produces 177 lb.-ft. of torque. This is slightly higher than the Camry which runs on 178 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque. Then there’s the fact that these engines have such different fuel economies. The higher-powered Altima actually does better at the gas pump. It earns 29 mpg city and 39 mpg highway for a combined rate of 31 mpg. By comparison, the Camry earns only 24 city and 33 highway for a combined rate of 27 mpg. Furthermore, the Altima weighs less, allowing it to do more with every horse under the hood. Nissan offers aerodynamic active shutters to make even more of the car’s horsepower. Lastly, the Altima also has a slightly larger fuel tank. You can guess which one gives you the longest range for your big trips.

Sporty Handling

If you are a driving enthusiast, consider this. Only Nissan gives you Active Understeer Control. This exclusive feature is tuned into the car’s stance. It knows when the vehicle takes a corner and it knows how to respond. Individual wheel braking is targeted to manage wheelspin. Done in real time, the Altima’s wheels run more evenly, creating true stability and grip as you swing through curves. Another plus is the multi-link rear suspension. Only the Altima has this system that makes your passengers feel like they are riding on steady rails instead of bouncing wheels. If you want more power, Nissan has you covered with a 270-horsepower engine that produces 251 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine edges out the 268-horsepower Camry V6 with 248 lb.-ft. of torque. Once again, Nissan also has better fuel economy (32 mpg highway) compared to the Toyota (30 mpg highway).

Interior and Comfort

In the 2017 JD Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, drivers rated the Altima as the top midsized car, beating the Camry. Further attesting to its comfort, you'll find that the front seat has several extra inches of headroom and legroom when compared to the Toyota Camry. Finally, only the Altima has Zero Gravity seats. These were developed using information from NASA weightlessness studies and have been shown to reduce travel fatigue by supporting a neutral posture.

Safety

Both the Altima and Camry have earned five stars when tested by the federal crash testers. So let’s look at the extra crash avoidance features and see how these compare. Toyota has a typical forward collision warning. It looks one car length ahead. Nissan’s warning system is capable of looking further ahead. By detecting several cars and looking further down the road, it can warn the driver faster. Both have an autobrake, but the Nissan autobrake also benefits from the system’s faster warning. Another Nissan exclusive is moving object detection. This is part of the SurroundView Camera system which looks at the car’s entire 360-degree perimeter. Both cars have a lane watch system with an automated assist feature.

Test Drive Today!

You can find the 2017 Nissan Altima our Hoover, AL Nissan dealership. Come explore the beautiful Altima cabins and play with its exciting dash technologies.

*MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.